National park · United States
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Enter on the America the Beautiful pass or pay $25 per vehicle for 7 days; climb the Dune Climb before 9:00 in summer, drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at sunset, and skip the dune-to-lake descent unless you can climb 100 m of loose sand back up.Enter on the America the Beautiful pass or pay $25 per vehicle for 7 days; climb the Dune Climb before 9:00 AM in summer, drive Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive at sunset, and skip the dune-to-lake descent unless you can climb 100 m of loose sand back up.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
288 km² (111 sq mi)111 sq mi (288 km²)
approximate
Established
1970
Best months
Jun, Sep–Oct
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 288 km² (111 sq mi)111 sq mi (288 km²)
- Land and water combined; the lakeshore runs about 60 km along Lake Michigan and includes North and South Manitou islands.
- Established
- 1970
- Best months
- Jun, Sep–Oct
- Permits
- For some areas
Sleeping Bear Dunes protects about 60 km of Lake Michigan shoreline in northern Michigan, with perched dunes up to roughly 140 m above the water, two offshore islands and old farm settlements. Most visitors come for one afternoon: the Dune Climb, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Lake Michigan overlook. The islands need a ferry from Leland and a full day or an overnight.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1970.
Size and age
288 km² (111 sq mi)111 sq mi (288 km²) · national park since 1970
Land and water combined; the lakeshore runs about 60 km along Lake Michigan and includes North and South Manitou islands.
Why go
- Perched dunes rise about 140 m straight out of Lake Michigan — the Dune Climb and the Lake Michigan overlook are the two set pieces.
- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive packs the best views into 12 km (7.5 mi) of one-way road with signed stops.Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive packs the best views into 7.5 mi (12 km) of one-way road with signed stops.
- Two car-free islands, North and South Manitou, reached by ferry from Leland, with backcountry camping and a 19th-century lighthouse.
- Port Oneida and the other farmsteads show what the shoreline looked like before the park existed.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarCaution
- AprCaution
- MayGo
- JunBest
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepBest
- OctBest
- NovCaution
- DecAvoid
- JanCold, deep snow; most facilities closed
- FebRanger snowshoe walks only
- MarIce and mud; few services
- AprScenic drive reopens late April
- MayQuiet; cold lake, cool sand
- JunLong days; ferries start mid-June
- JulPeak crowds; hot sand
- AugBusiest; book camping early
- SepWarm water, thinner crowds
- OctColour in the hardwoods; drive open to early November
- NovScenic drive closes; ferries wind down
- DecWinter closures; snow on the dunes
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Piping plover nesting closures on North Manitou shorelineApr–Jul · Sections of beach are fenced off; keep out and keep dogs away. | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
| Waterfowl, loons and sandhill cranesApr–May, Sep–Oct | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no |
| Spring wildflowers and trillium on the islandsMay–Jun | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no |
| Deer ticks (Lyme disease risk)May–Oct · Long grass and brush along trails; use repellent and check yourself after walking. | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Traverse City
M-72 west to Empire, then M-22 or M-109 into the park; a car is the practical option.
40–50 min
From Chicago
Drive via US-31 and M-22, or fly to Traverse City and rent a car.
5.5–6.5 h
From Detroit
Drive via US-127 and M-72, or fly to Traverse City.
4.5–5 h
From Leland (for the islands)
Manitou Island Transit ferry to South Manitou with a layover, or to North Manitou for campers.
1.5 h crossing
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Southern section (Platte River, Empire) | Platte River mouth, Platte River Campground, the visitor center at Empire. | Open year-round; some loops closed November–April. |
| Central section (Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking) | The Dune Climb, Sleeping Bear Point, the scenic drive and the Lake Michigan overlook. | Open; the scenic drive runs late April to early November. |
| Northern section (Port Oneida, Glen Arbor) | Historic farmsteads, Alligator Hill, Good Harbor Bay. | Open; buildings are closed inside. |
| North and South Manitou islands | Backcountry camping, the South Manitou lighthouse, perched dunes and old farms. | Ferry from Leland; no layover on North Manitou sailings. |
Sketch map
- 1Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, Empire · Headquarters≈44.814, -86.000Map ↗
- 2Dune Climb · Trail≈44.885, -86.057Map ↗
- 3Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive entrance · Gate≈44.881, -86.040Map ↗
- 4Lake Michigan overlook · Viewpoint≈44.892, -86.061Map ↗
- 5Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station · Ranger station≈44.911, -86.045Map ↗
- 6Glen Arbor · Town≈44.901, -85.985Map ↗
- 7Leland ferry dock · Ranger station≈45.023, -85.761Map ↗
- 8South Manitou Island dock · Beach≈45.028, -86.118Map ↗
Take the points offline
8 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions along the mainland shoreline and the Leland ferry dock, for orientation only.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entrance, private vehicle | US$25 | vehicle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, motorcycle | US$20 | motorcycle | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| Entrance, per person on foot or bike | US$15 | person | Valid 7 days; 2026 estimate. |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | year | Covers this park and other federal fee areas; 2026 estimate. |
| D.H. Day or Platte River campground | US$25–40 | night | Rates vary by site type and season; entrance fee is separate. |
| Backcountry permit, mainland or islands | US$5–10 | night | Per permit, not per person; 2026 estimate. |
| Manitou Island Transit ferry, round trip | US$40–50 | person | Leland to North or South Manitou; 2026 estimate. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Entrance fee permit or guide
Backcountry camping permit or guide
Manitou island ferry permit or guide
Group campsites permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$25
- US$20
- US$15
- US$80
- US$25–40
- US$5–10
- US$40–50
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on NPS — Fees and passes, Sleeping Bear Dunes before you go.
Park rules
- Entrance fee
- Required for the scenic drive, the Dune Climb and the beaches; the receipt covers 7 days.
- Dogs
- Allowed on most mainland trails and beaches but not on the islands or the Dune Climb; keep them leashed.
- Drones
- Launching drones is not allowed over the lakeshore without NPS permission.
- Historic buildings
- Farm and village interiors are unsafe and off-limits unless a sign says otherwise.
- Campfires
- Only in provided rings; no fires at North Manitou ad hoc sites.
- Sand and vegetation
- Stay on trails on the dune grass; walking off-trail kills the plants holding the dunes.
Where to stay
In the park
D.H. Day Campground
Rustic wooded sites in the central section, walk to Lake Michigan; first-come in summer.
In the park
Platte River Campground
Larger year-round campground in the south with showers; some loops closed in winter.
In the park
Backcountry sites (Valley View, White Pine, islands)
Walk-in sites on the mainland and island camping; permit required.
Near the park
Empire, Glen Arbor and Traverse City
Motels, inns and rentals outside the park; Traverse City has the widest choice.
Safety
Heat and the climb back up the dunes medium
Cold water and rip currents on Lake Michigan high
Deer ticks and Lyme disease medium
Winter driving and ice medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The visitor center, the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive overlooks and Sleeping Bear Point have parking and short paved or boardwalk paths.
- The Dune Climb and the Dunes Trail to the lake are loose sand and not suitable for wheelchairs or strollers.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked trails on the dunes; dune grass holds the sand in place.
- Pack out rubbish — there are few bins outside the campgrounds.
- Use the park shuttle or carpool on busy summer weekends to cut parking pressure at the Dune Climb.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
In 2026 the entrance fee is about $25 per private vehicle, $20 per motorcycle and $15 per person arriving on foot or by bike, valid for 7 days (check current rates). The America the Beautiful annual pass, about $80, covers this park and other federal fee areas.
What are the best hikes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
For most visitors: the Dune Climb (1–2 hours, steep sand, no shade) and the Dunes Trail down to Lake Michigan (about 5.5 km round trip, hard on the way back up). Easier options are the Empire Bluff and Sleeping Bear Point trails, and Alligator Hill in the north. On South Manitou, the lighthouse and giant cedar walks are short and flat.
When is the best time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
June and September–October. June has long days and the ferry starts running; September and October bring warm water, thinner crowds and autumn colour. July and August are the busiest, with hot sand and full campgrounds. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive closes from early November to late April.
Do I need a reservation to camp?
Group sites and some summer sites at Platte River can be reserved; D.H. Day is mostly first-come. Backcountry camping on the mainland and the islands needs a permit from the visitor center or a ranger station. Book the Manitou ferry ahead in summer.
Can I drive the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive?
Yes — it is a 12 km one-way road open to cars, bikes and walkers from late April to early November, usually 9:00 to about half an hour after sunset. It is hilly and curvy, so cyclists should take the descents slowly.
Is there food or lodging inside the park?
No restaurants and no park-run hotels. Eat and sleep in Empire, Glen Arbor, Honor or Traverse City. The park runs two campgrounds and backcountry sites.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go